Basavaraj1 , Pushpalatha K2
Childhood poisoning is a significant public health problem. Poisoning though an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children, has received little attention over the years. Objective: To determine the clinical profile and outcome of acute poisoning in children admitted to tertiary care hospital in South India.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the hospital records of all children aged 1 month to 18 years with definite history of poisoning during the 2-years period from January 2013 to December 2014. We took the profile of all cases and noted their outcome.
RESULTS: 50 patients presented with acute poisoning during the study period. Majority of children were in the age group between 12 to 18 years (30 cases, 60%). Median age of our patients was 10 years. The majority of our patients resided in urban areas. Drugs (40%), Kerosene oil (24%) and Insecticides (20%) were the agents most frequently implicated. 52% cases were suicidal in nature and the above children belonged to age group of 12 to 18 years. Almost all cases in 1-6 years age group were accidental in nature. One case of kerosene oil consumption died whereas outcome in other cases was good.
CONCLUSION: Poisoning in pediatric age group is a common problem. Incidence of poisoning with suicidal intension is increasing with accidental poisoning due to kerosene oil consumption is still common in younger age group.
